Rudy Gobert’s Olympic Reflections on Vincent Collet and His Relationship with the French National Team
After the Minnesota Timberwolves’ impressive 92-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Rudy Gobert took the time to speak to the media about his future with the French national basketball team. The game, which saw Gobert contribute a near double-double performance with 10 points and 9 rebounds, was an opportunity for the French center to reflect on his career and the path ahead, particularly with the French national team and his relationship with former coach Vincent Collet.
Gobert’s journey with the French national team has been long and filled with significant memories, especially under the leadership of coach Vincent Collet. As one of the most prominent French basketball players of his generation, Gobert has been an integral part of many international competitions, including the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games. However, despite his success, Gobert’s relationship with Collet has had its ups and downs, especially regarding his playing time in recent tournaments. Following the 2024 Olympics, Gobert’s thoughts on his coach, his role with the team, and the future of French basketball are deeply reflective.
Gobert’s Commitment to the French National Team
Gobert’s love for representing France on the international stage remains strong, even as he navigates the realities of his professional career in the NBA. When asked about his future with the French national team, particularly with the upcoming European Championship in mind, Gobert was candid about his commitment.
“My heart is still with the French team,” he stated. “Whether or not I participate in the next European Championship will depend on many factors: my health, how I feel at the end of the season.”
While Gobert emphasized his ongoing dedication to the national team, he also made it clear that he is no longer in his early twenties and must be mindful of his physical condition. Having experienced significant success in recent years with the Timberwolves and the national team, Gobert recognizes that playing at the highest level requires peak physical readiness.
“I want to participate, but I’m not 22 anymore. Because if I come, it’s to be at my best and to be able to be myself on the field,” Gobert explained. “In recent years, I’ve had a lot of success, so we’ll see when the time comes.”
This careful consideration of his future availability reflects Gobert’s maturity and understanding of the importance of maintaining his health, especially as he continues to build on his NBA career. As one of the most accomplished players in French basketball history, Gobert’s decision will weigh heavily on how he feels physically and emotionally as the season progresses.
Gobert’s Regret: Reflecting on the Olympics Final
Though Gobert remains committed to the national team, his thoughts inevitably turn to the 2024 Olympics, where he had the opportunity to help France secure a gold medal. Unfortunately, Gobert’s playing time was limited in the closing stages of the Olympic final, leaving him with a lingering sense of regret about what could have been.
“I am convinced that I could have contributed more to the team, especially in the final,” Gobert said with a hint of frustration. “My finger was a little better than in the quarter and semi-finals.”
Gobert’s injury had been a significant factor in his reduced playing time during the Olympic tournament, but he still harbors a sense of missed opportunity. “The final is my biggest regret, not having had the chance to come back on the field in the 4th quarter,” he admitted.
Despite the disappointment, Gobert remains philosophical about the situation. “We will never know what would have happened, but we learn and we continue to move forward. Because everything that is out of my control, I can’t dwell on it too much.”
This maturity in Gobert’s thinking is a testament to his growth as both a player and a person. While he undoubtedly wishes he had been able to make a more significant impact in the final, he recognizes that there is no value in focusing on things outside his control, and instead, he chooses to move forward and continue contributing to his team, both in the NBA and on the international stage.
A Grateful Reflection on Vincent Collet’s Trust
Despite any frustrations surrounding his playing time in recent competitions, Gobert made it clear that he holds deep gratitude and respect for his former coach, Vincent Collet. The French center spoke warmly about his memories with Collet, recalling how the coach had always trusted him, even in challenging moments.
“I have a lot of good memories with him,” Gobert began, reflecting on their time together with the national team. “I won’t just remember this last competition, because he gave me my chance when I was 22 against the Gasol brothers (Marc and Pau) at the 2014 World Cup.”
Gobert’s first major international competition with France came at a time when few believed in his ability to compete at such a high level. Yet, Collet saw potential in the young player and entrusted him with a significant role in the team. Gobert never forgot this opportunity, and it shaped his approach to the game for years to come.
“When few people would have trusted me. Since this first competition with the Blues, we have still reversed a lot of ‘trends’ together,” Gobert continued. “Until this Olympic final, he had always trusted me in difficult moments.”
This unwavering trust from Collet has been a central theme in Gobert’s international career. Together, they navigated numerous challenges, securing six medals in the process. Their partnership represents a mutual commitment to excellence and a shared journey that has defined both of their careers.
“We must not forget the six medals that we both won,” Gobert reminded the media, emphasizing the success they achieved as a team. “He was always there to help me progress, to coach me. I am still grateful.”
Gobert’s appreciation for Collet speaks volumes about their bond, one built on respect, trust, and shared success. Even though Gobert’s playing time may have been limited in the most recent Olympic final, his gratitude for Collet’s guidance and support throughout the years is unwavering.
Moving Forward: Gobert’s Legacy and Relationship with Collet
As Gobert continues his NBA career and contemplates his future with the French national team, his relationship with Vincent Collet remains an essential part of his legacy. The two have been through many highs and lows together, but their shared experiences have left a lasting imprint on both Gobert’s career and the French national team’s success.
Collet’s decision to trust Gobert when he was just a young player at the 2014 World Cup helped shape Gobert into the leader he is today. That trust, coupled with Gobert’s hard work and dedication, has resulted in numerous achievements for the French national team, including medals at the Olympics, World Cup, and EuroBasket tournaments. The bond between player and coach is built on mutual respect and a shared vision of success, and this is something Gobert will always carry with him, no matter where his career takes him.
Although the 2024 Olympics may have ended in disappointment for Gobert in terms of his playing time, the memories and lessons from his time with Collet will stay with him. Gobert’s gratitude and respect for Collet’s guidance are evident, and he is thankful for the opportunities and trust Collet extended to him over the years.
As Gobert continues to make his mark in the NBA and with the French national team, his connection to Vincent Collet will remain a central part of his journey. Together, they have forged a legacy of success, and Gobert will continue to honor that relationship as he moves forward in his career, on and off the court.
